Of the 25 albums I checked out this week I’m most looking forward to Scanners and Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three making their rounds in The Bay.
Return Of The Wu by Wu-Tang Clan – I love Wu-Tang Clan. I do not love this album. It misses that head-bop mark for me. Not that it’s bad it’s just not outstanding. Some of the tracks are great like “John 3:16” or “Treez.”
Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You by Lightspeed Champion – The album cover really did not properly prep me for what’s inside. It doesn’t pick up for me until the middle of the second track, where my ears went “Oh, what’s this now?” English-blues-folk-indie rock. It might be good. I can’t tell yet. Okay I can tell you it’s not.
Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons – You will like this album. Check out Gordon’s concert review.
The Constant by Story Of The Year – I dug the first song because there were a bunch of kids in the chorus, and it sounded pretty awesome against the backdrop of this pop rock. The rest is supermarket pop rock.
Falling Down A Mountain by Tindersticks – This album is really interesting. There are songs about peanuts, factory girls, and black smoke. The music could be boring, but then I don’t know if I’m cool enough to listen to it. Is this soul rock? What is soul rock?
Messenger by Joe Pug – Some good old American storytelling rock…sounds like he’s been on your parent’s shelf for a while. But this is a debut. If that’s your flavor then you’ll diggit.
SomeOthaShip by Georgia Anne Muldrow, Declaime – The album cover definitely lets you know what’s on the inside. There will invariably be a track you like on here, especially if you think of yourself cultured, but nothing really you’ll be missing.
Peace & Love by Juliana Hatfield – Break out the Chubby Hubby, a bathrobe, and this album. You’ll feel super empowered…or sad.
Minor Love by Adam Green – Lou Reed.
Orange by Jim Campilongo – As cool as any guitarist may be, seeing Buckethead live has forever marred my opinion of a self-indulgent guitarist. I mean awesome, you play really well. But uhh, kinda got other things to do.
It’s Been A Long Day by Smoking Popes – I am into this album. Lazy vocals behind punk-infused rock is cool…seriously.
Submarine by Scanners – Everything is awesome about this album. When are they touring?
The Stimulus Package by Freeway & Jake One – Whoa. The beat on that intro is very unstoppable. Some real quality tracks on here, make you even feel cool while working overtime.
Love and Understanding by Joyo Velarde – Man this album comes on a little strong. Like when you enter a room and there’s one other person in there but they’re wearing entirely too much fragrance, and you’re like, “Jeezus, who are you trying to impress?”
Rebel Shout by Wintergreen – First two songs had me doubting everything about this album. I really got down with “Why Do I Get Down,” the third track. From there on it’s hit and miss. I wouldn’t worry about it none.
Periphery by The Seven Fields of Aphelion – For some reason gardening comes to mind while listen to this album. Get outside and work experimentally with the earth is what it says to me…or buy hallucinogens and an isolation tank, combine.
Dear Companion by Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore – Some of the songs are great. It’s like a slice of Americana pie. Others taste like a boring hot dog.
The Golden Archipelago by Shearwater – Kind of like listening to a Sade/Meatloaf mash-up. Some serious shit is about to happen when listening to this album. I mean, look at that fucking album cover. This music is for people who find everything serious.
She’s Like Texas by Josh Abbott Band – Like I’m not going to listen to an album with this title. “..there’s beer on the floor, and everyone’s gassin’ up their Fords.” The first track starts off with this frantic, repetitive rhythm…like hobbling through bluegrass. Sounds like they’re using a Who riff on the second track…I smell infringement.
Road Kill by Joell Ortiz – Raps about how cool and awesome he is, of course. First track entitled “Ortiz In This Bitch.” Pretty much all you need to know.
Sound Awake by Karnivool – This album would be good if you were looking to further alienate yourself from others.
Money In The Streets by Jay Tee – I really thought this was going to be a joke, I like it. I mean forget the ridiculous album cover, his voice is really sick. At times a little bit like Devin tha Dude. Plus he’s from Vallejo. Not all the songs are winners, like Hundred Grand could have been left off the album, but overall pretty solid.
Brotherhood of Good Explosions by Spunkshine – How could I not listen to a band called Spunkshine? That was answered after the first track.
The Gospel of Hurt by Trees Leave – Album cover makes it look like these guys are about to throw down or make out. Not sure, but the music itself is filled with folksy sorrow and stringed sadness.
Riverboat Soul by Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three – With most American bands you want to throw up because it just sounds boring. I need something that gets my blood jumpin’. Something that when I see it live there are crowds of people having a damned good time. Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three might be able to deliver on this.
Mumford and Sons is the best thing I’ve heard in a long time, I also really like Lightspeed Champion but it’s got lost behind Mumfords and Dad.
Didn’t like Wintergreen.
Shearwater was weird on purpose which is the wrong kind of weird.
Need to check out Scanners.
Chubby Hubby is my favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor.